24 October is a day of reflection in Bulgaria ahead of the presidential and vice-presidential election. Election campaigning and the publication of opinion poll results related to the vote are prohibited. The day gives voters an opportunity to weigh the candidates’ messages and proposals before making their decision.
During the election campaign, key issues included the role of the president and relations with other state institutions, the war in Ukraine, relations with Russia, and Bulgaria’s place in the EU and NATO. Other topics included security in the Black Sea, the rising cost of living, incomes and fiscal policy, as well as preserving the Bulgarian language and cultural identity among Bulgarian communities abroad.
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A record 27 candidate pairs are running in the election, nominated by political parties, coalitions and initiative committees.
Although Bulgaria is a parliamentary republic, the president plays an important role in the country’s political life. Under the Constitution, the president embodies the unity of the nation, represents the country in international relations and serves as commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The president may address the nation and parliament and veto legislation. The office also carries powers relating to citizenship, asylum and pardons.
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The president is assisted by the vice president, to whom certain presidential powers may be delegated. Under certain constitutional conditions, the vice president assumes the presidency.
To win in the first round, a candidate pair must secure more than half of all valid votes, provided that voter turnout exceeds 50% of eligible voters. If neither condition is met, a runoff between the two pairs receiving the highest number of votes will be held on 1 November.
Edited by Miglena Ivanova
Translated by Kostadin Atanasov